Kocaelispor vs Fenerbahce: Match Prediction, Team News, and Lineups Analysis

Fenerbahce is set to take on Kocaelispor in a highly anticipated Turkish Super Lig match. This encounter, scheduled for Monday evening, holds significant importance for both clubs. Fenerbahce aims to reduce the gap with league leaders Galatasaray, while Kocaelispor looks to solidify its mid-table position.

Kocaelispor vs Fenerbahce: Match Preview

Kocaelispor has had a rocky start to 2026, failing to secure a victory in their last three competitive matches. Their performance includes a loss in the Turkish Cup and league defeats against other teams. Most recently, the team played to a goalless draw with Samsunspor. Despite these challenges, Kocaelispor maintains a comfortable ninth place in the standings, with a solid eight-point cushion above the relegation zone.

Kocaelispor’s Recent Form

• Turkish Cup: Lost 0-1 to Gaziantep
• Super Lig: Lost 1-2 to Trabzonspor
• Super Lig: Drew 0-0 with Samsunspor

Head Coach Selcuk Inan faces the daunting task of reversing the team’s lackluster form. Historically, Kocaelispor has struggled against Fenerbahce, with no wins since the early 2000s. Currently, they are on a 13-match winless streak against the Istanbul club, consisting of eight losses and five draws. In their last encounter, Kocaelispor faced a 3-1 defeat, with their previous home matchup ending in a 1-1 draw back in 2009.

Fenerbahce’s Title Aspirations

Fenerbahce sits just three points behind Galatasaray. Their recent draws—1-1 against Goztepe and another match against FCSB in the Europa League— heighten the urgency to perform well in domestic competitions. This match is crucial for Fenerbahce to stay in the title race, and their away form enhances their status as strong contenders.

Fenerbahce’s Statistics

• Unbeaten in the Super Lig: 12 wins, 7 draws
• Last away form: 12 matches undefeated, including 8 wins and 4 draws
• Recent away scoring: 3 goals in the last two away league games

Team News

Kocaelispor will miss Mateusz Wieteska due to a knee injury. Their goalkeeper, Aleksandar Jovanovic, is uncertain to play, and Tayfur Bingol is suspended. The team has brought in Mahamadou Susoho from Manchester City Under-21s during the winter transfer window.

Fenerbahce, however, is dealing with injuries to key players. Defensive stalwarts Levent Mercan and Archie Brown are both sidelined. Edson Alvarez’s ankle issue raises doubts about his ability to participate, while Jhon Duran is recovering from a thigh injury. However, new recruits Matteo Guendouzi and Anthony Musaba are expected to play critical roles in the match.

Probable Lineups

In conclusion, Kocaelispor faces a significant challenge in overcoming historical obstacles against Fenerbahce. Given the tension in the title race, Fenerbahce’s impressive away performance positions them as clear favorites. A predicted scoreline favors Fenerbahce, with a likely outcome of 2-1.